So is Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who can’t understand how his club lost him to Chelsea in the first place.

But the problem for City is that the sums don’t add up in terms of trying to bring Sturridge, 22 back to Manchester.

They were awarded an eventual figure of £6.5million for him by a tribunal, as compensation when he made his out-of-contract move to Stamford Bridge three years ago.

But even though City are also entitled to 15 per cent of any sell-on fee, they would still take a financial hit if they pre-signed him – as his value has now increased to at least £20m after a string of sensational displays.

Sturridge has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Chelsea contract but is said to be looking for a new, improved deal to stay in West London.

Daniel Sturridge left Man City six months before Roberto Mancini arrived and perhaps the Etihad Stadium boss is right to be confused as to why the Premier League table toppers allowed the talented attacker to leave but one wonders if a move back to the club would suit the 22 year old.

The Chelsea man is currently used out wide but would prefer to play in an orthodox striking position but would the youngster manage to secure a regular spot in either position at Man City? Given that Mancini has the likes of Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko as striking options, all scoring goals and all relatively young.

Then out wide the Italian has quality options like David Silva, Adam Johnson, Samir Nasri and James Milner to call upon, to name just four, so a move for Sturridge would be an odd one to consider.

This source points out that Arsenal are keen on the Blues man and such a move would make far more sense given the over-reliance the North London club places on Robin Van Persie.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has shown a lot of faith in Sturridge, far more than Carlo Ancelotti, and the Portuguese boss is clearly planning for the future and as such may well value the England international more highly than the likes of Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Salomon Kalou when it comes to long term plans so perhaps the Birmingham born forward would do well to ignore other offers and look to help his West London side regain their position as genuine title contenders.